Harlequin catshark (Ctenacis fehlmanni)

Scientific name: Ctenacis fehlmanni Springer, 1968

Harlequin catshark (Ctenacis fehlmanni)

The Harlequin catshark (Ctenacis fehlmanni) is a marine fish of the family Proscylliidae. Native range: Western Indian Ocean, off Somalia.

Biology

Inhabits the outer continental shelf. Known only from the holotype. The presence of a very thin-walled, large egg-case in each uterus of the holotype suggests that the species may be ovoviviparous, and presumably have had two young in a litter. Experts classify this species as oviparous. Its large mouth, small teeth, and large pharynx with gillraker papillae might allow it to feed on very small invertebrates, according to S. Springer.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Ctenacis fehlmanni
Family
Proscylliidae (Finback catsharks)
Order
Carcharhiniformes (Ground sharks)
Class
Elasmobranchii (Sharks and Rays)
Maximum length
46
Depth range
70–170 m (230–558 ft)
Environment
Marine; demersal; depth range 70 - 170 m
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Western Indian Ocean: off Somalia.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Data deficient (DD)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: of no interest
Resilience
Very Low, minimum population doubling time more than 14 years (Fec=2)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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